TL;DR: Arkansas is home to Little Rock Air Force Base — the world’s largest C-130 training installation — plus four other military installations. This guide covers everything PCSing families need to know about housing, BAH rates, schools, medical care, and life in central Arkansas in 2026.
If you’ve just received PCS orders to Arkansas, chances are you’re headed to Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) in Jacksonville. It’s the largest and most active duty-populated installation in the state. Additionally, it offers an affordable cost of living, a friendly community, and easy access to the outdoor beauty Arkansas is known for.
This guide gives you the honest, boots-on-the-ground information you need to plan your move, set your housing budget, and get your family settled without the guesswork.
Ready to build your PCS plan? Start your free PCS Plan here →
Military installations in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to five active military installations:
| Installation | Location | Branch | Primary Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock Air Force Base | Jacksonville, AR | Air Force | C-130 airlift training & operations |
| Pine Bluff Arsenal | Pine Bluff, AR | Army | Munitions production & defense manufacturing |
| Camp Joseph T. Robinson | North Little Rock, AR | Army National Guard | Army & National Guard training |
| Ebbing Air National Guard Base | Fort Smith, AR | Air National Guard | 188th Wing ISR & airlift operations |
| Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center | Fort Smith, AR | Army National Guard | Large-scale maneuver training |
The overwhelming majority of active-duty PCS moves to Arkansas are to Little Rock AFB. Consequently, that’s where we’ll spend most of our time in this guide.
Little Rock Air Force Base: fast facts
- Location: Jacksonville, AR (about 17 miles northeast of downtown Little Rock)
- Host Unit: 19th Airlift Wing — operates the world’s largest C-130 fleet
- Other Key Units: 314th Airlift Wing (C-130J training), 189th Airlift Wing (ANG), 913th Airlift Group (Reserve)
- Population: ~14,000 total — 7,000 military, 1,300 civilian, 5,500 family members
- Notable: Only C-130 training base for the DoD, U.S. Coast Guard, and 47 allied nations
- Main Gate Address: 1250 Thomas Avenue, Jacksonville, AR 72099
- Official Website: littlerock.af.mil
2026 BAH rates at Little Rock AFB
Good news for your budget: BAH at Little Rock AFB increased 6.2% for 2026. Moreover, the cost of living in the Jacksonville area is well below the national average, which means your BAH goes further here than at most installations.
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-4 | ~$1,566/mo | ~$1,374/mo |
| E-5 | ~$1,795/mo | ~$1,566/mo |
| E-6 | ~$1,872/mo | ~$1,638/mo |
| O-3 | ~$2,052/mo | ~$1,782/mo |
| O-4 | ~$2,190/mo | ~$1,944/mo |
For the most current rates by ZIP code, use the DoD BAH Calculator. Also check out our 2026 BAH Rates guide for a full breakdown of how BAH works and how to use it strategically.
💡 Pro tip: In the Jacksonville market, BAH typically covers full rent costs — especially for junior enlisted. In fact, many families find they can buy rather than rent and come out ahead. Check our VA Home Loan guide to see if buying makes sense for your situation.
Housing at Little Rock AFB
On-base housing (Hunt Military Communities)
On-base family housing at LRAFB is managed by Hunt Military Communities. Specifically, there are four neighborhoods offering single-family homes with a range of amenities including landscaping, curbside trash, playgrounds, a fitness center, and 24-hour emergency maintenance.
- Housing Office: 101 Arkansas Boulevard, Jacksonville, AR 72076
- Phone: (501) 518-0330 / (501) 232-6467
- Website: littlerock-family-housing.com
- Pets allowed (limit 2 per home; some breed restrictions apply)
- E1–E3 and E4 with less than 3 years of service are required to live in unaccompanied housing
Unaccompanied housing
- Address: Building 723, Firelane Drive, LRAFB, AR 72099
- Phone: (501) 987-1011
- Email: 19cesDormMgmt@us.af.mil
TLF / lodging (Air Force Inns)
- Phone: (501) 987-6753
- Lodging books up fast during peak PCS season (May–August) — reserve as early as possible
- Limited pet-friendly rooms are available; request specifically when booking
Off-base neighborhoods
Jacksonville and the surrounding communities of Sherwood, Cabot, and North Little Rock offer affordable off-base options. For example, a 3-bedroom home typically rents for $1,100–$1,500/month. Furthermore, the home purchase market is strong for VA loan buyers, with median home prices well below the national average.
Buying vs. renting at LRAFB? Use our VA Home Loan guide to run the numbers →
In-processing at Little Rock AFB
Your main in-processing hub is the Walters Community Support Center (“The Kenny”):
- Address: 940 Arnold Drive, Jacksonville, AR 72076
- This is your 24/7 check-in point for most arriving service members
- Bring your orders, medical records, and sponsor contact info
Not sure what else to bring or what to expect? Our PCS Binder & Checklist walks you through everything step by step.
Schools near Little Rock AFB
On-base school option
- Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School – Flightline Upper Academy (Grades 5–8, on-base)
- Application-based; waitlist is common during peak PCS periods
- Part of the Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School District
Jacksonville North Pulaski School District (JNPSD)
- Bobby G. Lester Elementary School
- Jacksonville Middle School
- Jacksonville High School
Higher education options
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) — 20 miles from base
- Arkansas State University–Beebe — convenient for online and in-person programs
For DoDEA resources and military family education support, visit dodea.edu.
Medical care at Little Rock AFB
TRICARE clinic
- Address: 1090 Arnold Drive, Little Rock AFB
- Appointments: (501) 987-8811
- Website: littlerock.tricare.mil
Key services and contacts
- Women’s Health & Pregnancy: 1090 Arnold Drive, 1st floor — (501) 987-8811
- Children’s Health & Pediatrics: 1090 Arnold Drive, 1st floor — (501) 987-8811
- Pharmacy: 1090 Arnold Drive — (501) 987-7446 | Refill Line: (501) 382-9698
- Vision: 1090 Arnold Drive, 1st floor — (501) 987-8811
Child care at Little Rock AFB
- Child Development Center (CDC): Full-time, part-time, and hourly care for infants through preschool age
- Family Child Care (FCC): On-base provider homes in housing neighborhoods
- Youth Center Programs: Ages 5–12 with teen activities also available
- 💡 All PCSing families are eligible for 20 hours of free childcare within 60 days of arrival when using an on-base provider — don’t miss this benefit!
Life around Little Rock AFB: what to expect
The local community
Jacksonville is a military-friendly community that has grown up around the base. It’s affordable, friendly, and low-key. However, it’s not a big-city assignment — and for many families, that’s specifically part of the appeal.
Little Rock is about 17 miles southwest of base. Consequently, you get everything a capital city offers: the River Market District, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, the Little Rock Zoo, and a thriving restaurant scene. Overall, most families feel they get the best of both worlds.
Outdoor recreation
Outdoor life is exceptional here. For example, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is just a short drive from base and offers hiking and fishing for all skill levels. Additionally, the 88-mile Arkansas River Trail System connects dozens of parks and more than 5,000 acres of parkland across Little Rock and North Little Rock. In short, if your family loves being outside, Arkansas will not disappoint.
Real talk: things to know before you arrive
Jacksonville itself is a small town. Therefore, dining and shopping options are more limited compared to major metro bases. Most families drive into Little Rock for a wider selection. Furthermore, traffic on Highway 67/167 can back up during peak commute hours. If you’re considering living off-base, Cabot and Sherwood tend to offer more neighborhood variety with reasonable commute times.
Connect with other LRAFB families before you even arrive. The PCS Pay-It-Forward community is one of the best resources for real, unfiltered local advice from families who’ve been there.
Other Arkansas military installations
Pine Bluff Arsenal
- Location: Pine Bluff, AR
- Mission: Munitions production and military equipment manufacturing
- Size: 13,000+ acres
- Primarily a civilian and contractor workforce; limited active-duty PCS assignments
Camp Joseph T. Robinson
- Location: 7301 Kansas Avenue, North Little Rock, AR
- Phone: (501) 212-5510
- Mission: Army and National Guard training center
- Home to Arkansas National Guard headquarters
Ebbing Air National Guard Base
- Location: 4850 Leigh Avenue, Fort Smith, AR
- Phone: (479) 573-5323
- Mission: 188th Wing — ISR, intelligence, and airlift operations
Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center
- Location: Fort Smith area, AR
- Size: 64,000+ acres
- Mission: Large-scale Army and National Guard maneuver training
PCS resources for Arkansas
Moving to Arkansas? These tools will save you time and stress:
- Start Your Free PCS Plan — built for military families, step by step
- VA Home Loan Guide — see if buying makes sense at LRAFB
- 2026 BAH Rates — full guide to understanding your housing allowance
- DITY / PPM Move Guide — maximize your move reimbursement
- Full PCS Toolkit — checklists, guides, and resources
- 2026 Military Pay Charts
Frequently asked questions: military bases in Arkansas
What military bases are in Arkansas?
Arkansas has five military installations: Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Pine Bluff Arsenal, Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, and Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center near Fort Smith.
Is Little Rock AFB a good PCS assignment?
Most families rate it positively. The cost of living is low, BAH typically covers housing costs, and the base community is tight-knit. Furthermore, Little Rock offers city amenities just 17 miles away, and Arkansas outdoor recreation is outstanding. The main trade-off is that Jacksonville itself is a small town with limited local options.
What is the BAH at Little Rock AFB in 2026?
BAH at Little Rock AFB increased 6.2% for 2026. As a result, an E-5 with dependents receives approximately $1,795/month. Rates vary by pay grade and dependent status — use the DoD BAH Calculator for your specific rate.
What units are at Little Rock AFB?
The host unit is the 19th Airlift Wing, which operates the world’s largest C-130 fleet. Additionally, other key units include the 314th Airlift Wing (C-130J aircrew training), the 189th Airlift Wing (Arkansas Air National Guard), and the 913th Airlift Group (Air Force Reserve).
Where is the best place to live near Little Rock AFB?
Popular communities include Jacksonville (closest to base), Cabot (good schools, family-friendly), Sherwood (suburban feel, easy highway access), and North Little Rock (closer to Little Rock amenities). In general, most families choose based on school preference and commute tolerance.
How do I get on-base housing at Little Rock AFB?
Contact Hunt Military Communities as soon as you have your orders. Specifically, the housing office is at 101 Arkansas Boulevard, Jacksonville, AR — call (501) 518-0330. Waitlist times vary by rank and bedroom need.
What schools are near Little Rock AFB?
On-base options include Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School’s Flightline Upper Academy (grades 5–8, application-based). Off-base, the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District (JNPSD) serves most military families with elementary, middle, and high schools.
What is the TRICARE phone number at Little Rock AFB?
The main TRICARE appointment line is (501) 987-8811. The clinic is located at 1090 Arnold Drive on base. Visit littlerock.tricare.mil for the full directory of services.
Does Little Rock AFB offer free childcare for PCSing families?
Yes. All families PCSing to LRAFB are eligible for 20 hours of free childcare within 60 days of arrival when using an on-base provider through the Child Development Center (CDC) or Family Child Care (FCC) program.
Is Arkansas a good state for military families?
Arkansas consistently ranks as an affordable, military-friendly state. Notably, there is no state tax on military retirement pay, and veteran benefits are strong. Overall, low cost of living makes it attractive for both active-duty families and those considering staying after separation.
Key takeaways
- Little Rock AFB is Arkansas’s primary active-duty installation, home to ~14,000 military members, civilians, and family members and the world’s largest C-130 training program.
- 2026 BAH at LRAFB increased 6.2% — an E-5 with dependents receives ~$1,795/month, which typically covers full rental costs in the Jacksonville market.
- On-base family housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities — contact them at (501) 518-0330 as soon as you have orders.
- All PCSing families qualify for 20 free hours of on-base childcare within 60 days of arrival — take advantage of it.
- Jacksonville is a small, affordable military community with Little Rock’s full city amenities just 17 miles away.
- Use your VA home loan benefit — the low cost of living makes LRAFB one of the better duty stations for building equity.
- Start your PCS plan early at pcspayitforward.com/start-your-pcs-plan/
